It was July 2011 when the Wines of Germany began promoting the 31 Days of German Riesling. Three years later over 500 restaurants and wine retailers throughout the U.S. will again promote
Germany’s most prestigious grape with special tasting flights, food pairing
dinner events, by-the-glass specials, and special purchasing discounts all
month long.
Riesling Grape |
Why
all the fuss over German Riesling?
Germany’s goal is to increase greater awareness concerning their most
famous grape, especially in the U.S. where we tend to tout our own Rieslings.
German Vineyard |
And
Germany does have bragging rights.
After all, over 60% of the world’s Riesling vineyards are located in there, and since the Riesling grape best expresses the terroir (soil) it is grown in, that is quite a compliment.
Vineyards |
In
Germany, Riesling is considered the most noble of grapes. It can flourish in stony soil with
little rain, ripening later than most grapes, usually in October. It is the acidity level that gives this
grape its character and that must be balanced with the sweetness of the grape in order to
produce a wine of flavor, balance, and elegance.
Two-thirds
of the Riesling wine produced in Germany is crafted in the Trocken (dry) style.
And a German Riesling is considered to be one of the easiest wines to
pair with food due to that wonderful balance of fruit and acidity.
Pairing Ideas:
Trocken Riesling |
Salmon |
Trocken
(dry) Riesling pairs well with sea bass, salmon and snapper, pork chops,
sausage, pizza, and medium to full bodied cheeses like Swiss, Brie, and
Cheddar.
Riesling |
Venison |
For
a semi-sweet Riesling (the broadest Riesling category), try game meats such as
venison or rack of lamb, clam chowder, roast turkey, or a fresh fruit tart.
Dessert Riesling |
Cheesecake |
And
for that rich, honeyed flavor of sweet dessert Riesling, you can’t miss with
pate’, sharp cheeses like Gorgonzola or Roquefort, and top it off with
cheesecake or apple strudel.
For
more food and wine pairing ideas, Wine of Germany has it all @
All this month, Wines of Germany will be highlighting information you may not know about
German Riesling including a beginner’s look at the grape, tourism information,
classifications, styles, and the grape’s history. Visit Facebook for more details all
month long -
https://www.facebook.com/GermanWineUSA?fref=ts
Over 25 U.S. states will take time during the hot days of July to
promote that cool and crisp German Riesling wine. For a list of participating
restaurants and retailers visit www.31DaysGermanRiesling.com.
This weekend find a German Riesling event near you and celebrate all things Riesling, or pop a cork at home, sit back and savor what German Riesling has to offer
during these hot July days. You
just might find yourself carrying this new wine love affair on into autumn…
~
Joy
Excellent article. You covered so much that I can't wait to get my wine glass.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great information.
Eba G.
Thank you, Eba!
Delete